Archive for RALMA-RH MANOMAN BANJO

As we approach the next index release day, December 4, The Bullvine is hearing considerable speculation about Man O Man, the #2 GTPI daughter proven bull and the top GTPI bull with second crop daughters. Many expect that he will be the top total index daughter proven sire in many countries. What people differ on is will he merely exceed all others or whether he will significantly outdistance the field. The Bullvine decided to summarize some of the highlights and some of the facts as we know them today.

Man O Man died during his waiting period and so his semen was always in limited supply and therefore he was used primarily on high indexing females. Of course we all know that second crops proof for bulls whose semen is higher priced or in limited supply can often result in elevated values in a second country as the analysis can not totally remove the high merit of the mates nor any preferential treatment of daughters. The fact remains Man O Man progeny are performing extremely well in many countries and his daughters are in demand.

Man O Man Sons

Man O Man does not have any daughter proven sons. Quite likely daughter proven sons will not be available for another 2.5 to 3 years.

Man O Man’s top ten sons in the USA for PA GTPI are:

Amighetti Numero Uno – 2587

Ladys-Manor Man-O-Shan – 2522

Texel Beauty Cosmo – 2451

Holbrick-ML Limocar – 2421

GenerVations Lexor – 2420

Cookiecutter MOM Hunter – 2409

Cabon Fernand – 2407

GenerVations Lingo – 2390

Hood M-O-M Emmett – 2387

Ladys-Manor-RD Shimone – 2387

A search of the CDN August 2012 Genomic Bull list shows that 18 of the top 50 bulls are Man O Man sons and their average indexes are:

GLPI +3038

Milk +1728 kgs

Fat +94 kgs (+0.28%)

Protein +81 kgs (+0.24%)

SCS 2.75

CONF +10

Herd Life 108 .

COOKIECUTTER MOM HUE VG-86-2YR-CAN

Daughters of Man O Man

Man O Man daughters do not take a back seat to his sons. Outstanding daughters can be found in every country and websites and magazine articles are full of these females.

The Bullvine studied his top ten DVG LPI daughters. Our thought is that by looking at their DVGs we would minimize any bias due to preferential mating or treatment. Their almost off-the-charts DGV averages are:

LPI +3437

Milk +1837 kgs

Fat +106 kgs ( +0.41%)

Protein +88 kgs (+0.27%)

SCS 2.75

CONF +12, MS +9, F/L +10, DS +9, R +7 ,

Daughter Fertility 102, and Herd Life 108

RALMA-RH MANOMAN BANJO VG-88-2YR-CAN9th Jr. 2yr old RAWF 2012

Recent auction sales have seen Man O Man daughters in high demand. Those selling for over $50,000 in the fall 2012 sales are:

It is too late to start using Man O Man as his semen supply is nearly exhausted. However, most AI organizations have used him as a sire of sons or have sons from Man O Man daughters. Breeders who have already used him like their hard working trouble free Man O Man daughters that are above average for functional traits. They may show a bit of Oman’s rounder turn of rib and lack of style but they are significantly better that Oman’s for median suspensor and dairy quality. One profit oriented milk producer recently summed it up quite well for the Bullvine – “I could milk a whole herd with only Man O Man daughters in it”.

COMESTAR LAUTAMAI MAN O MAN VG-86-2YR-CAN

The Bullvine Bottomline

In less than a week’s time, we will know Man O Man’s updated American proof and his first official proof in some other countries. Breeder satisfaction and their decisions to continue to invest in his daughters speaks volumes for what we can expect to see.

It would be easy to just take the winners from this year’s World Dairy Expo (Read more – World Dairy Expo 2012 Holstein Show – A battle for the ages) and predict that they will win at the Royal. But that is not always the case. It’s a different day, different judge, and new animals have calved and others have been fresh longer. Instead let’s take a look at the highlights of what is sure to be a truly Royal show.

The Judge

Callum McKinven – 2012 Royal Holstein Show Judge

At Lookout Holsteins in North Hatley, QC, Callum McKinven, his wife Kathy Beerwort and their three daughters work hard to create a comfortable, low-stress environment for their herd of show winners and genomic stars. When they first built their facility in the beautiful hills of Quebec, all details were put into place for sensible cow comfort. Callum has shown well-known heifers and cows to victory at major shows, including World Dairy Expo and the Royal. McKinven is a very active, respected judge, both domestically and internationally. Lookout in partnership has had several sale toppers lately including LOOKOUT PESCE EPIC HUE at the Planet Holstein Sale (Read – The Planet Explodes at World Dairy Expo – 2012 Planet Holstein Sale Recap) and RALMA-RH MANOMAN BANJO VG-88-2yr at the Gillette Visions sale (Read – Gillette Visions 2012 Sale – Great People, Great Cattle = Great Results)

The Contenders for Junior Champion

Lafontaine Aftershock Arrie – Junior Champion World Dairy Expo 2012

While the Junior Champion from Madison, Lafontaine Aftershock Arrie, certainly has to be considered the early favorite, it really could go any way. Nowhere is there greater variance every year than in the nod for Junior Champion. While many might go on to win their class at the Royal, winning Madison does not guarantee the Royal win that many would expect. Other heifers to watch for include the recent Quebec International Holstein Show Junior Champion Jacobs Jordan Babe (Read more – Expo International Holstein Quebec Heifers Results). Another one to watch for is Crovalley Knowledge Akika who looked very impressive winning junior champion at the recent Autumn Opportunity Show (Read more – Autumn Opportunity Holstein Show Results). In addition, note that the Madison Reserve Junior Champion Jaslyn Aftershock Avila will not be there as she is owned in partnership by Lookout Farms.

The Contenders for Intermediate Champion

While Cookview Goldwyn Monique looked extremely impressive (Read more – World Dairy Expo 2012 Holstein Show – A Battle for the Ages) and is the early front runner, other contenders include fellow class winners from Madison, Butz-Butler Gold Barbara and T-Triple-T Gold Prize (Read more – World Dairy Expo Winners: Investment Worthy). Other contenders would have to be the recent Intermediate Champions from Quebec, Robrook Goldwyn Cameron and from Ontario Quality Gold Danzi (Read more – Quality Holsteins – Well-Deserved Congratulations). Another X Factor might be Craigcrest Rubies Gold Rejoice. While not looking her best at Madison, don’t let her fall too far off your radar. With her massive frame and dairyness, the two times All-American and All-Canadian is always within striking distance.

The Contenders for Senior Champion

RF GOLDWYN HAILEY- Grand Champion Quebec International Show 2012

I would like to say it’s in doubt, but that simply is not the case. If RF Goldwyn Hailey EX-97 comes out looking as good as she did at Madison and the recent Quebec International Holstein Show, there really is no doubt. She is on a roll that doesn’t seem to be stopping any time soon, and she should easily assume the crown (Read more – The Story Behind How Two Full Sisters Dominated Expo Quebec). Other cows to keep an eye out for include Boulet Goldwyn Chalou and Quality Goldwyn Flansco.

The Red and White Story

Blondin Redman Seisme EX-96 (98-MS)

Just like Hailey, Blondin Redman Seisme, should be considered the strong favorite to win Grand yet again.

The Bullvine Bottom Line

While you never know how the cows will settle in and what they will look like on show day, this group certainly has to be considered the early contenders.

Ralma Christmas Fudge was a special 2001 Christmas Day gift for Ralma Holsteins. With consistently high indexing progeny and as a 2012 Golden Dam contender is the gift that keeps on giving.

RALMA CHRISTMAS FUDGE VG-88-2YR-USA DOM GMD

Christmas Fudge Starts with Ralma Recipe for Success

The foundation cow behind Fudge, Yendora Jaque Pioneer, was purchased as a heifer in the 1970’s by Mark Schmitt and his father for $890. The Schmitt family, owners of Ralma Holsteins achieved an EX score on Pioneer and by constructive breeding moved her family into elite status.

RALMA JUROR FAITH EX91 – dam of Fudge

Christmas Fudge’s dam, RALMA JUROR FAITH EX91, significantly moved the family ahead. In addition to Christmas Fudge, there were two other Durham daughters, Frisky VG88 2 yrs, 13,109 kg in 305 days, 4.5%F and 3.5%P and Fireball EX92 2yrs 13,032 kg in 305 days, 4.0% F and 3.3 %P. Both of these cows have established strong cow families with progeny selling for high prices and embryos sold globally. Juror Faith is applauded for her dairy frame, sound mammary system and an ability to produce high volumes of milk over 4.3% F.”

Christmas Fudge Shares Great Ingredients

Fudge’s immediate sire stack is Durham x Juror x Leadman x Melwood. Each of these sires adds their own specialities to the mix that produced Fudge: show type, longevity, high utility and high fat yields. Christmas Fudge classified VG88 in her first lactation and produced 12,433kg in 305 days, 4.1% F and 3.2% P.

Fudge flushed very well for Ralma produced many progeny and embryos were sold to eager buyers wishing to be part of this great cow. Shema Holsteins have owned Fudge recently and by IVF have produced many daughters yet to be heard from by many popular bulls, including Atwood, Goldwyn, Mac, Alexander and Big Apple-Red.

The Best of Christmas Fudge

To date Fudge has produced seven Excellent daughters. Quite likely there are more to come because there are some that are VG87 and 88 that are under three years of age.

RALMA CHRISTMAS COOKIE VG-89-3YR-USA DOM – daughter of Fudge

One of her daughters, RALMA CHRISTMAS COOKIE VG-89-3YR-USA DOM is hailed by many as Oman’s best conformation daughter. Cookie definitely serves up the best of Oman, Fudge and Durham. She scored VG89 in her first lactation and produced 11,0222 kg in 305 days, 4.5%F and 3.3.% P. Cookie has three Goldwyn daughters scored Ex93, VG88 and VG88 in their first lactations they averaged 12,680 kg in 305 days, 4.5% Fand 3.4% P. As well there three Goldwyn sons were sampled at Select Sires and Alta Genetics.

Fudge’s offspring incorporate another popular genetic variation in the form of her great grandson, Sandy-Valley Colt P-Red, who traces back to Fudge through his Bolton dam Crystal and Sept Storm granddam, Crimson. Fudge’s other Excellent daughters are by Goldwyn, Finley, Sept Storm and Shottle. One EX Finley daughter produced Shottle Camouflage VG88 who topped a Planet Sale at $101,000.

Male Line from Fudge Gets Sweeter All the Time

Fudge has had many sons enter A.I. Three Oman sons (full brothers to Cookie) are high ranking in the Netherlands (Cricket) and United States (Focus & Crest). In addition her Goldwyn son, Confirm, also ranks well in the United States.

It appears that grandsons of Fudge, from Fudge daughters, are going to make a major impact in the world of Holstein breeding. Many are ranked high genomically. Some of these grandsons include Gold Crown, Goldwyn Coach, Shottle Chariot and (Ramos) Cassino. As mentioned previously, Colt P-Red is getting considerable use as a sire of sons to produce red and polled progeny.

Fudge and Her Daughters Consistently Serve Up the Best

When you look at the numbers you see that Fudge and many of her family, not just one or two of them, are unique in the way that they are consistently high for type, milk yield, components and functional traits. Christmas Fudge is indeed a prolific and gifted contender for the title of 2012 Golden Dam.

GILLETTE EPIC JINGLE – Lot 29

Dam of lot 29 – GILLETTE SHOTTLE JEWELL VG-86-3YR CAN

First catching my eye is the heifer with the highest direct genomics in the sale GILLETTE EPIC JINGLE (DGV LPI +3768). Jingle’s DGV for LPI is over 1000 points higher than her parent average, telling you she got the best of GILLETTE SHOTTLE JEWELL VG-86-3YR CAN (Maternal sister to Gillette Jordan) and GENERVATIONS EPIC (A sire that seems to consistently leave progeny with DGV’s higher than the parent average). Epic should bring the feet and leg improvement that Jewell needs, though I will be looking closely at this calf to see if she has enough dairy strength. While Jewell scores well for dairy strength, the sire stack indicates that this could be her challenge.

DONNANDALE EPIC JAYLO – Lot 61

Dam of lot 61 – BENNER PLANET JAKOVA GP-83-2YR

Next to catch my eye is the heifer with the highest official genomic evaluation in the sale DONNANDALE EPIC JAYLO (GLPI + 3536). From the #3 LPI cow in Canada, BENNER PLANET JAKOVA GP-83-2YR, Epic is a nice cross on Jakova as you notice, both by her genetics and classification that she needs the rump and mammary system improvement that Epic will provide. Epic also brings the much-needed attention to health and fertility that is gaining importance to many breeders around the world. While the GP-83-2yr old score on Jakova might scare some away, given the herd that she is in, and the way the industry is heading, (Read more – Is Good Plus Good Enough) it does not concern me.

MARYCLERC SUDAN CARAMINE – Lot 10

Dam of lot 10 – R-Z BAXTER CARAMEL VG-89-2YR-CAN

Catching my eye for her outstanding and unique sire stack (Sudan x Baxter x Goldwyn x Justice) is MARYCLERC SUDAN CARAMINE the Sudan daughter of R-Z BAXTER CARAMEL VG-89-2YR-CAN. From the heart of the Ralma Christmas Fudge Family (Read more 2012 Golden Dam), this pedigree has it all, production, durability, and health and fertility. Combine that with a dam who is the 3rd generation VG-89-2yr and you have a potent breeding package.

CLEROLI SNOWMAN CARAMILK &
GILLETTE SNOWMAN CASSIDY – Lot 8 & 9

3rd dam of lot 8 & 9 – RALMA CHRISTMAS COOKIE VG-89-3YR-USA DOM

Possessing the highest sire stack in the sale are Caramine’s sisters by Snowman, CLEROLI SNOWMAN CARAMILK and her full sister GILLETTE SNOWMAN CASSIDY. Giving the edge to Caramilk, I would be most interested in the one that possesses the best rump. That is the one type area in this cross that concerns me. For that and the health and fertility aspects I would give an edge to the Sudan mating on Baxter Caramel (see preceding selection).

RALMA-RH MANOMAN BANJO – Lot 18

Dam of lot 18 – RALMA GOLDWYN CLARINET EX-90-4YR-USA

For those of you looking for a more immediate impact there is RALMA-RH MANOMAN BANJO. Also from the Ralma Christmas Fudge Family ((Read more 2012 Golden Dam), Banjo is fresh and if living up to expectations should look amazing. In Banjo you get a fresh 2yr old that is ready to rock and roll. Her DGV’s are 342 points over current GPA LPI, so the potential for great things to come is there. I am sure she will be generating loads of attention, I will be closely looking at her feet and legs to see if she can outperform her pedigree in this area.

CLEROLI MP WINDBROOK BLUFFY – Lot 20

2nd dam of lot 20 – REGANCREST G BROCADE EX-92-4YR-USA DOM

I have been watching the storyline for FARNEAR BROCADE P BUFFY for a while now (Read – Shooting for Planet Buffy) and this cross of Windbrook has me very intrigued. CLEROLI MP WINDBROOK BLUFFY DGV LPI of +3365 is 870 points higher than her parent average (2495). In this pedigree you go right back into the heart of one of the greatest breeding cows in the world today REGANCREST-PR BARBIE EX-92 GMD DOM (Read – 2012 Golden Dam Finalists). I am always looking for animals that are extremes and there is no question that Windbrook Buffy has gotten the best that Windbrook and Brocade P Buffy have to offer. I also like this cross because Planet has tremendous health traits and Windbrook would protect the feet and legs and add strength.

LESPERRON BOULDER BREEZEL – Lot 22

2nd dam of lot 22 – REGANCREST G BRIZELDA EX-90-4YR-USA DOM

Continuing in the Regancrest breeding comes LESPERRON BOULDER BREEZEL the Boulder daughter of REGANCREST-I SANCHEZ BREEZE VG-86-2YR. Breeze’s dam REGANCREST G BRIZELDA is one of the top PTAT cows in the world. She of course is the daughter of REGANCREST-PR BARBIE EX-92 GMD DOM. What catches my attention with Breezel is, not only how much her DGV’s are higher than her PA’s (2472 vs. 2154), but also how insanely high her DGV’s for conformation are (+22 Conf.). There really is no question that she has the ability to continue Barbie’s ability to transmit great conformation. It’s something this family does like clockwork.

MIDLEE EXPLODE VICTORIE – Lot 56

Dam of lot 56 – APPLERIDGE GOLDWYN VICK VG-87

A sleeper lot for me might be MIDLEE EXPLODE VICTORIE. While Victorie’s dam APPLERIDGE GOLDWYN VICK VG-87 is not a household name and I have expressed my concerns about Explode in the past (Read – Eight Proven Holstein Sires To Watch For or To Watch Out For), this lot still gets my attention. She possesses strong production, durability, health and fertility numbers and has good honest breeding, generation after generation tracing back to SUNNYLODGE CHIEF VICK ET VG-86-2YR-CAN 31*. If you are looking for a good breeding cow family, this may be the cost effective lot for you.

LOOKOUT-PESCE EPIC NEVIS – Lot 59

2nd dam of lot 59 – DE-SU 7051 VG-88-6YR-USA DOM

Rounding out this epic list (pun intended) is LOOKOUT-PESCE EPIC NEVIS. I have been looking for ways to get into the De-Su breeding program and Nevis provides that, since she is an Epic daughter of DE-SU 9842. This heifer is a genomic triple threat possessing production, durability and health and fertility. With her Supersonic sister selling for $46,000 in the Island Heat Wave sale and Nevis having the higher DGV’s, it will be interesting to see what she brings.

The Bullvine Bottom Line

While I still want to see each of these lots (plus some others) live, these are the ones that stand out as having the greatest potential return for the investment dollar. And hey, if you’re at the sale, come over and say, “Hi!” I always enjoy talking with passionate dairy breeders.